What 578 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Kia Optima

Paint defect causing paint chipping on vehicle due to lack of proper layering of paint on vehicle

NHTSA ODI 11700094

My oil pressure sensor failed and is leaking oil into the electrical wire harness and all over the engine including intake and exhaust pipes which is a fire risk. It is the exact same issue as another recall affecting 2011 to 2014 kia models/years: 2019 safety recall (RCONL-19V101-0000) that involves replacing the oil pressure switch in certain 2011-2014 models if a leak is found. Additionally, a 2022 Technical Service Bulletin (MC-10210268-0001) extended the warranty for the oil pressure switch replacement to 15 years/150,000 miles for eligible vehicles. The recall addressed potential oil leaks, and the warranty extension covers the switch itself. 2019 safety recall (RCONL-19V101-0000) What it covered: The recall was for certain 2011-2014 Kia models and involved inspecting and potentially replacing the Oil Pressure Switch (OPS) and the oil pan if an oil leak was detected. Unfortunately at this time the dealership is claiming that this recall does not include my specific vehicle by Vin and I will have to cover the repair outside of warranty/recall to make the vehicle function properly/eliminate the oil leak/fire risk. It would be great if other kia optima owners could be protected and covered by the recall I mentioned above.

NHTSA ODI 11699235

My cars paint is peeling uncontrollably due to delamination of the paint. The issue with the paint has been reported by others also.

NHTSA ODI 11698296

Steering column damage, it started with the horn not working and not allowing me to use the bottoms on the wheel I thought it was an electric thing ,but then I notice a noise when I was driving over 60 mph then when I was braking or turning

NHTSA ODI 11697904

My 2014 Kia Optima is burning oil heavily and emitting fumes into the cabin. The dealership confirmed an engine issue but said they are waiting on paperwork to replace the engine. I’ve been told to continue driving it even though the burning smell enters the car and causes headaches. I believe this is a safety hazard.

NHTSA ODI 11697323

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the steering wheel was loose while turning. Additionally, the contact stated that on approximately three occasions while in reverse(R), the steering wheel locked up. The contact stated that the EPS and ESC warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked at the residence and could not be moved, due to the failure with the steering wheel. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,800.

NHTSA ODI 11694029

[XXX] , [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Email: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Date: October 5, 2025 Kia America, Inc. Consumer Affairs Department [XXX] Subject: Request for Goodwill Repair – Defective Paint on 2014 Kia Optima LX Dear Kia Consumer Affairs Team, I am writing to formally request assistance regarding the defective paint on my 2012 Kia Optima LX. The paint has begun to peel and flake on several areas of the vehicle, including [insert locations — e.g., the hood and roof, if you want to specify], and the problem continues to worsen over time. My vehicle details are as follows: •Year/Model: 2014 Kia Optima LX •VIN: [XXX] •Mileage: 187,000 miles •Color: silver After researching this issue, I learned that many other Kia owners with similar models and colors have experienced the same paint defects. It appears to be a known issue related to the factory paint or clear coat used on certain Kia vehicles from this period. I have always maintained my Optima properly and have not had any repainting or accident-related body work done. The paint defect significantly impacts the car’s appearance and resale value, and I respectfully request that Kia provide a goodwill repair or repaint under its customer satisfaction or defect resolution policy. Please let me know how I should proceed to have the vehicle inspected or evaluated. I have photographs of the damaged areas available for your review upon request. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] Email: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11691564

The contact owned a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact was flagged down by a nearby driver. The contact was informed that fire was coming from underneath the hood. In addition, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact and the contact's dog exited the vehicle. No injuries were sustained. The fire department and Police were called to the scene. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The fire report was unavailable. The vehicle had not been inspected. The contact had received a recall notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ODI 11688155

The contact owned a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after her daughter had parked the vehicle and shut off the engine, a fire had started under the hood as she exited. No warning lights illuminated. There was no odor or strange sound during the failure. The local fire department had arrived on scene to extinguish the fire. The local fire department deemed that the cause of the fire was started with the HECU. It was unknown if a Police report was filed. The vehicle was left at the contact's relative's residence, where it remains for further investigation. The vehicle was deemed a total loss since it was consumed by the fire. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was sought. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.

NHTSA ODI 11685734

While driving my car I will get a sign that pops up flashing says “check hybrid system stop vehicle and turn off engine” with a HEV inside of a yellow triangle. Some times it will go off on its own but most times I have to pull over turn my car off and then once I start it back it’s fine. Some times my car will loose power but no too often. It’s very unsafe and happens randomly. I also notice that if I turn my air conditioner on high it triggers my car to do that. I changed my hybrid battery twice and my 12V battery. I’ve taken it to Kia and other mechanics but no one can figure out what’s going on.

NHTSA ODI 11684175

It has problems with: High voltage battery voltage sensor circuit, the computer displays a code which is P1B74 and the car's dashboard displays a problem with the hybrid system and the initials HEV

NHTSA ODI 11683428

Paint is peeling off in big chunks down to the metal. On the hood, trunk, and over the doors.

NHTSA ODI 11682104

While driving Kia Optima, unable to turn steering wheel. No notice when first starting vehicle. While driving, a traction and steering wheel light turns on without a sound(ding) to notify driver. Then once driver attempts to turn, unable due to steering wheel locked. Unsafe to drive on the road. Dangerous for all passengers. Our safety is put at risk due to unable to turn steering wheel while driving. Must turn vehicle off in middle of road, then it resets so steering wheel to turn. Code C12 60 returns for power steering sensor malfunction.

NHTSA ODI 11681739

The wire that causes the car to crank start burning that in the wiring hardness. which it make the car hard to crank

NHTSA ODI 11681174

While driving my 2014 Kia optima on the freeway the vehicle lost power completely and the car stopped almost causing me to be rear ended. I have reached out to Kia in Dublin since the vehicle should be covered under SC147 the vehicle has been at KIA since May and Kia is refusing to do repairs.

NHTSA ODI 11681060

The clear protective coat has failed over the white paint. I was originally unbothered. However, now I've learned it is a known issue in this and other makes/models. I am fearful the areas where paint has chipped, are now showing wear and rust. I've learned rust can weaken the body and affect the safety/structure. What can be done to correct this? This is my first report, if I should begin elsewhere, please advise. Thank you in advance for any help. I would simply like to have a reasonably safe vehicle and dont want to be negligent in not reporting/caring for the issues.

NHTSA ODI 11679456

Vehicles Low-Beam headlights are very poor. Brought for service/adjustments and was advised that they were properly aimed and that nothing more could be done other than installing brighter headlights. While driving at night I need the fog lights or the high-beam lights on for proper visibility which could cause issues for other drivers on the road.

NHTSA ODI 11677869

While driving home one day, the engine shut off while in traffic. The engine light had started to blink right before. The battery, starter, and oil levels were fine. A mechanic later confirmed the engine was locked. I see there are articles stating there were engine recalls for 2011-2014 Kia optima’s, but my 2014 Kia Optima EX was denied. Please help. I love my Kia. Thanks.

NHTSA ODI 11675671

The steering coupler for this vehicle is a cheap part that wears out easily. After just 110,000 miles my steering wheel now has a significant amount of "play" and makes a loud clicking sound while driving, even without moving the steering wheel, due to the amount of "play" in the steering. This is an expensive repair due to having to disassemble the steering column all because the cheap part wears out prematurely. This is a known problem for KIA Optimas and results in very expensive repairs for a very cheap part.

NHTSA ODI 11675298

PEARL WHITE PAINT ON MY 2014 IS CHIPPING OFF ON THE TRUNK, HOOD AND ROOF

NHTSA ODI 11673613

On 3 July 2025, while driving the car suddenly lost power and started smoking under the hood. I pulled over, exited the vehicle, and an engine fire started a minute later. The fire department put out the fire. The safety of myself and my child were at risk. We were driving at 40 miles per hour when the car lost power and caught fire. There were no warning lights. The car was towed to an independent repair shop to be evaluated, but results have not yet been gathered. There are known issues and recalls associated with 2014 Kia optima and with its engine losing power and catching fire, but my VIN was not included in the recalls when it should have been. This could have resulted in injury or the loss of life. At a minimum it has caused a loss of financial stability for my family due to Kia failing to produce and maintain safe vehicles.

NHTSA ODI 11671213

Heavy white/gray smoke on acceleration after driving for 30 min

NHTSA ODI 11670014

My vehicles paint is chipping off. It’s chipping off on the hood the top of the car and on the trunk some spots have rusted over. As I was looking into a possible repaint, I’ve heard that there has been an issue with this type of color is associated with my vehicle on other Kia Optimus, as well as some Hyundai vehicles. There were no warning lamps associated with this issue. No component or system has failed that related to the vehicle. The safety confirm would be that the rush gets deeper into the vehicle and causes other parts of the vehicle to rush to and messes up with the vehicles operating systems that could cause greater issues in the future with the operation of my vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the Kia dealership, as well as inspected by other paint and body shops.

NHTSA ODI 11668701

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact heard a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI 11666295

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under two unidentified NHTSA recalls; however, the recall repairs failed to prevent the failures from occurring. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to a stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal felt spongey and depressed to the floorboard. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11666347